Substance (noun)

1. The essence or essential nature of something.
2. A particular kind of matter with uniform properties.
3. A solid, liquid, or gas that is a particular chemical substance.
4. The material of which something is made.
5. Something that is real and has value.

Origin:

Late middle english (denoting essence or essential nature): from latin substantia, from sub- "under" + stare "to stand". the current sense dates from the mid 16th century.

Examples:

1. He was trying to grasp the substance of the argument.
2. The substance of the sample was found to be a metal.
3. The substance of the bottle was identified as vinegar.
4. The substance of the sculpture was made of marble.
5. Her ideas had substance, they were not just empty promises.